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The City Attorney’s Office cannot provide legal services to private citizens. You may call the Contra Costa Center for Human Development at 925-687-8844. The Center has dispute resolution programs available. More...

Claims against the City of Richmond are filed in the City Clerks's Office located at 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA - 510-620-6513. Claim Forms can also be downloaded from the City Clerk's Webpage. More...

All Boardmembers and Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. To qualify for appointment, an applicant must meet the requirements of the boards and commission they are applying for. No one may be appointed without filing an application, individuals can only serve on one commission at a time, and employees cannot serve on any board or commission [Online Fillable Application]

Decisions of the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board (DRB) can be appealed to the City Council. Appeals must be filed within 10 days following the Planning Commission or DRB rendering their decision. If the 10th day is on a weekend, the appeal must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, the first business day following the weekend. If the Monday following the weekend is a holiday, then the appeal must by filed by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

A filing fee of $150 must be paid at the time the appeal is filed. If the fee is not paid at the time the appeal is filed, the appeal is returned to the appellant with instruction that the appeal is not considered filed until the fee is paid.

Public Hearing for appeals must be scheduled and heard within 30 days after the appeal is filed. The Clerk selects the date of the hearing and sends a letter to the appellant informing him/her of the date of the hearing and the hearing procedures. [Online Fillable Form]

Yes. All residences and businesses in the City of Richmond must have an address posted. Residences numbers shall be no less than be 4" and business numbers shall be no less than least 6" and visible from the public right-of-way.

Contact the citing Officer at listed number or visit the Code Enforcement Unit within the Richmond Police Department at 401 27th Street, Richmond CA 94804 within the time frame if you wish to discuss the circumstances and/or you may file an appeal requesting additional time. Based upon the circumstances, deadline may be extended.

After an Officer re-inspects a property and determines that the violation still exist. The Officer can either elect to issues an Administrative Citation or a Non-Compliance Notification.

The Administrative Citation for the first offense is $250.00 per Richmond Municipal Code (RMC) violation, the 2nd Administrative Citation $500.00 per RMC violation, and 3rd Administrative Citation $1,000.00 per RMC violations OR the Officer can issue a Non-Compliance Notification in the amount of $308.00 ($243.00 for Inspection and Notice and $65.00 Re-Inspection). The City may also abate the violation at the property owners expense.

You also have the right to an Appeal which must be filed within the time frame given for correction. There is a cost to file an Appeal. A Hardship Waiver package can also be obtained from the Code Enforcement Unit.

If your Appeal is granted you will be notified of the date and time of Hearing.

Yes. It is the duty of every owner of any premises in the City to subscribe to and pay for the solid waste collection service.

Each owner of a premises shall start services within seven (7) days of the occupancy of a premises. If owner fails to start service, the collector shall give owner a written notification that such service is required. If service is not initiated within fifteen (15) days from the date of mailing of notice, then collector shall initiate and continue service for the owner.

It is the duty of every owner of any premises to maintain receptacles provided by the collector for receiving and holding all the solid wastes created or accumulated upon said premises between the times for the collection of the solid waste, and to deposit all such solid waste therein. All receptacles shall be kept in a sanitary condition at all times and shall not be placed within the limits of any street or other public place in the City, except that the owner of any premises shall place receptacles at the curb in a location reasonably convenient for semi-automated or automated collection on the regularly scheduled days established by the City or the collector for collection of solid wastes in the area.

Every owner of a single or multiple-family residential dwelling shall provide and keep receptacles of an adequate size and in sufficient numbers to contain, without overflowing, all the refuses generated by the dwelling residents within the designated removal period. The owner shall provide a minimum of one receptacle per family residential dwelling unit or the equivalent thereof as agreed between the owner and the collector pursuant to Richmond Municipal Code 9.20.170.

City ordinance makes it illegal to permit grass, weeds or any other vegetation to grow more than six inch. Individuals should contact the Code Enforcement Unit and provide information on the property. An Officer will inspect the property and contact the owner. The owner is given seven (7) to ten (10) days upon receipt of notice to have the property brought into compliance. However, if the owner does not abate nuisance the City’s Code Enforcement Unit will, if necessary, under a warrant hire a private contractor and/or have the Code Enforcement Abatement Crew to either abate nuisance. The City will invoice the owner of record for the work done plus administrative costs and a lien will be placed on the property.

If you suspect there is a code violation on another property, you may contact a Code Enforcement Officer and provide this information.A case will be opened and investigated appropriately. If a violation is found to exist, the owner will be contacted and required to correct the violation.

Setbacks are the minimum distance that a building or structure can be placed from a property line and other structures. Setbacks can vary depending on the zoning. Contact the Planning Department staff to determine your setbacks for the type of structure you wish to build.

City ordinance makes it illegal to permit grass or weeds to be more than six (6) inches tall. Individuals should contact the Code Enforcement Unit and provide information on the property. An officer will inspect the property and contact the owner. The owner is given seven (7) to ten (10) days, upon receipt of notice, to abate violation. However, if the owner cannot be located or does not abate violation a warrant will be obtained and City crew will abate violation. The City will invoice the owner of record for the work done, done plus administrative costs, and a lien will be placed on the property.

If any of the vehicles are dismantled or incapable of being moved under their own power, they are considered inoperable vehicles and are not allowed to be parked on streets or private property unless garaged. Owners of illegally parked vehicles can be made to remove them within a specified time period. If the owner fails to remove junk or inoperable vehicles, a warrant may be obtained to remove vehicle(s) and/or immediate removal. Contact Vehicle Abatement for specific information 510-621-1278.

All violations must be abated, and all Code Enforcement and recording fees must be paid. Once the violation is abated and the fees are paid we will record a Release of Lien Notice with Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office.

Engineering

A STOP sign is intended to determine the right of way at an intersection. It is a rather poor speed control device. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of a STOP sign on speed ranges from 100 to 150 feet from the sign, after which a vehicle will regain its original speed or an even faster one. If a speeding problem exists, the City can park a radar trailer on your street to inform drivers of their speed.

The set speed limit is based on standards found in the California Vehicle Code, except in residential and school areas where the limit is 25 mph. The Vehicle Code requires a radar study be performed in order to set the speed limit. Lowering a speed limit to slow down vehicles does not work. Drivers drive at a speed at which they feel comfortable. The City adopted the policy not to install speed humps along the roads classified as collector streets and major arterial.

The use of "SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY" or similar signs is not allowed on public roads. The message on such signs gives the interpretation to children that it is acceptable to play in the street, which is contrary to the California Vehicle Code.

It could be that the signal is malfunctioning. If you notice a signal that suddenly does not function as it has in the past, please call our office 510-307-8091 (or Public Works at 510-231-3011 for more urgent issues) so we can check it out. In many cases that is the only way we will know if something is wrong.

Marked crosswalks are typically placed at signalized or STOP-controlled intersections. The markings on the roadway have been shown to give pedestrians a false sense of security; therefore, not marking them leads pedestrians to be more careful.

The set speed limit is based on standards found in the California Vehicle Code, except in residential and school areas where the limit is 25 mph. The Vehicle Code requires a radar study be performed in order to set the speed limit. Lowering a speed limit to slow down vehicles does not work. Drivers drive at a speed at which they feel comfortable. The reporting of speeding issues can be made collectively at the neighborhood council meeting and then forwarded to the Police Department for site monitoring.

The City can prohibit parking for various reasons. However, we hesitate to prohibit parking in residential areas due to the impact this might have on the fronting homeowner. For the situation of having the driveway being constantly blocked by vehicles, the City can review the site condition and install some red curbs near the driveway upon the verification of the site condition for approval.

The use of radar to determine speeds has specific rules. If you are issued a speeding ticket on a City Street or County road, contact the City Traffic Engineering Section at 510-307-8112 or the County Traffic Section at 925-313-2276 to ensure that a valid radar survey exists for that road. If you have questions regarding any of these subjects, please feel free to call our Traffic Engineering Section, Steven Tam, at 510-307-8112.

The City has closed some streets to divert traffic. A study must be completed to ensure that the diverted traffic does not adversely affect another neighborhood and to determine the traffic volumes and speeds. The neighborhood will also be involved so as to understand the consequences of a road closure.

Most of the existing street light were installed based on the City adopted criteria or design guideline stated in the Municipal Codes. Currently, the City is also looking into the energy saving program that allows the City to use different types of luminaries. If the new policy is adopted, new luminaries will light up the street more uniformly with the resulting lighting brighter than the current conditions. For new street light request Engineering Services will review and investigate each request on a case-by-case basis. City street lights can be categorized into two types. Street light mounting that is supported by wooden poles are being maintained by PG&E, while the non-wooden pole street lights are maintained by the City’s electricians. For general Street light maintenance issues, please contact the Engineering Services at 510-307-8091 or the Public Works Department at 510-231-3011. Both Departments can handle any street light malfunction issues.

Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk, curb, and gutter. Please contact the Engineering Department at 510-307-8091 for more information about the necessary permits and license requirements for repairing concrete.

Call Richmond Sanitary Service at (510)262-1655 for a free oil change kit or to schedule a pickup. You may also set out a full oil jug and filter bag in view of or near the curb on your scheduled oil collection day.

Disposing of batteries in the garbage is illegal. Residents may drop off household batteries for recycling at the City of Richmond Fire Stations and at several other locations in addition to the HHW Facility. [View City-wide locations]

The first point of contact should be the department to which you have provided services or goods. Please allow a turn around time of 20-30 days. Vendors should not call the accounts payable division directly. The city department will follow up with the accounts payable division.

The City of Richmond does not release liens for garbage/refuse. Interested parties should contact Richmond Sanitary Service at 510-262-7141. Richmond Sanitary Service will provide the requested demand notice and will clear the lien once they receive payment.

If your business is located within the City limits of Richmond, contact the Business License Division at 510-620-6742 for a “How to get a Business License in the City of Richmond” brochure. The law requires businesses to obtain all the permits, licenses, and/or authorizations that pertain to that business. Various governing authorities have requirements that must be met.

Yes, all businesses operating within the City limits of Richmond (including subcontractors and landlords) must have a business license as required under the City’s Municipal Code. Application forms are located on the Business License section of the City’s website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/bl The City has established various zoning regulations, which control the location and operation of all commercial activity. You should consider checking with the Planning Department at (510) 620-6705 before purchasing property or signing lease agreements.

It’s easy. All you need to do is to come to the Finance Department at Richmond City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Second Floor. We will provide you with a “Business Start-up Checklist” and guide you through the process.

The basic business license tax is $234.10 annually plus an additional $46.80 per employee for the first 25 and then $40.10 per employee in excess of 25. The number of employees is determined by the average number employed or to be employed. The full amount of the business license tax, zoning compliance fee ($27) inspection fee(s) ($91) are due at the time you submit the business license application. On September 19, 2012 Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186, which adds a state fee of $1 to each application for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof.

Definitely. Every person or business regulated by the Contractor’s State License Board must apply for a Richmond license and complete a Contractor’s License Statement which is available from the Finance Department.

These fees help pay for Police and Fire Protection as well as libraries, parks, streets and other public services.

It is mandated by the Richmond City Code that businesses be licensed. We are currently undertaking a massive project to license those businesses that have not complied with these requirements. Please be a partner with your fellow Esteemed Richmond Businesses and the citizens of Richmond.

If you are licensed and paid in full, we thank you.If you are NOT licensed or paid in full, please come and see us.

Go to the City Clerk’s Agendas and Minutes page and scroll down to Personnel Board Agendas and Personnel Board Minutes. You may also access them by going to the City Clerk’s Boards and Commissions page and selecting Personnel Board.

A job interest card is available online. Fill out the requested information and a personal email will automatically be sent each time a job is posted within the professional interest chosen by you on the City of Richmond Job Interest Page.

Yes. You may also submit an original application by mail or in person to the Human Resources Management Department office located at 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804. To apply online, visit the Job Opportunities website.

No. Either the original application with your original signature must be received by the Human Resources Department by mail or in person before the closing date. The other option is to apply online by visiting the City of Richmond Job Opportunities page.

You may obtain a typing certificate at most temporary agencies. The City of Richmond Employment and Training department offers typing test by pre-arrangement only (phone number 510-307-8014). Please visit the Human Resources Department to receive a typing pass. We do not accept online typing certificates.

Each certificate must be obtained within six (6) months of submission. Each certificate must include the following: name of the school, agency or institution conducting the testing; the equipment used (typewriter/computer); the gross and net number of words, and the number of errors; the signature of the individual responsible for the testing; and the testing date. SPECIAL NOTE: On-line or website-generated typing certificates DO NOT fall within the specified guidelines as stipulated above and will be rejected if submitted.

All applications are reviewed by the assigned analyst after the closing date. Once it has been determined that the applicant is eligible to move forward in the examination process, the applicant is either invited to an examination to determine skill level or in some cases invited to an interview. After the results of the exam/interview are tabulated, the applicant will be placed on an employment list that is active for two (2) years after the date of establishment.

Fees• Adult Guest Card to use the public PC. Free• Replacement library card $1.00• Print charge for printing from the public PCs. $ .10 per page for black and white prints, $ .40 for color prints

Other charges• Processing charge for lost or damaged books, videos, CDs, DVDs and cassettes. $10.00 per item• Processing charge for lost or damaged magazines $ 2.50 per item• Replacement charge for lost or damaged books, videos, DVDs, CDs, cassettes and magazines. Charged the list price of the item• Replacement charge for lost or damaged Link + materials $115.00 per item

In order to get a library card you must provide us with one of the following identification requirements:

ADULT LIBRARY PATRONS

• Current California driver’s license or California identification card with your name and residential address.*• I.D. from the Mexican Consulate with your name and California residential address.*• Patrons living outside of California can obtain a temporary library card that is good for 30 days. When they become California residents with the proper identification they can change from being a temporary patron to a regular patron.• Mail postmarked within the last 30 days with your name and current California residential address.*• Printed checks with your name and current California residential address.*• DMV change-of-address printout or card with your name and current California residential address.*• Temporary driver’s license with your name and current California residential address.*• Rent receipt or rental agreement with your name and current California residential address.*• Magazine mailed within the last 30 days labeled with your name and current California residential address.*• Post card from the Richmond Public Library postmarked within the last 30 days with your current California residential address.*

STUDENT LIBRARY PATRONS (Ages 13-18)

• A parent in attendance with acceptable identification (as stated above).• A post card from Richmond Public Library postmarked within the last 30 days with your name and current California residential address.*• Mail postmarked within the last 30 days with your name and current residential address.*• Report card with your name and current California residential address.*

CHILDREN LIBRARY PATRONS (Ages 12 and under))

• Patron must be able to print his or her first name (with no outside help).• Parent or guardian must be in the Library and have acceptable identification (see Adult Library Patrons).

ALL PATRONS (Adults, Students and Children

• Patrons must pay a fee of $1.00 for lost or replacement cards

*A Post Office Box address alone is not acceptable as identification. Richmond Public Library requires a P.O. Box address and a current California address.

The Richmond Public Library maintains computers, in the Adult Reading Room, Teen area, and the Children’s Room, providing free public access to the Internet as well as word processing, spreadsheet and other tools. All Richmond Public Library card holders are welcome to use these computers by making a reservation or on a walk-in basis any time during library open hours for up to an hour per day. The Children's Room computers are reserved up to 1/2 hour per day. If you do not have a library card, you can get an Internet Only library card at the Circulation Desk. For more information call 510-620-6561 Adult Reference or 510-620-6557 for Children's.

(1) If you believe a tree or branch has damaged your property please call our city arborist at 510-231-3075.

(2) When you hire a company to make repairs to your sewer or water line and all permits are obtained from the Engineering Division 510-307-8091 make sure pictures of the roots are taken and call the City Arborist 510-231-3075 to view the roots with the trench still open. You can then file a claim with the City Clerk's Office 510-620-6513 for reimbursement of costs.

Parks & Landscaping Division is the maintenance section for Parks. If you wish to reserve a park for a special occasions contact the Recreation and Parks Division for reservations. Recreation and Parks Division

Police

Call the Records Section of the Police Department at 510-620-6675 to confirm the report is available. Reports are usually ready for pickup in about 7 to 10 days and cost $11 per report. Certain offense reports may not be released if the case is under investigation or there will be a danger to any individual listed on the report. No juvenile information will be given out.

Yes. We call this a "vacation home" and we like to know about them. Please call the Watch Commander at 510-620-6643 or the Patrol Bureau secretary at 510-620-6642 to report your vacation home information.

First, you will need to provide us with the vehicle license plate number or VIN. If you are the owner, you must have a valid California driver’s license. If the vehicle is currently registered, under most circumstances, we can issue a release. You will be responsible for towing and storage fees to the tow company. You may also be responsible for administrative fees to the Richmond Police Department. There are specific Vehicle Codes and Municipal Codes that allow the Richmond Police Department to charge up to $314.00, depending on the situation.

If your vehicle was impounded for driving without a license, and had been previously towed for the same violation, it can be held in impound for a period of 30 days. You will have to contact the Records section at 510-620-6675, and you may have to speak with a detective to obtain a release.

To obtain a copy of one’s criminal record you must file an application with the State Department of Justice showing the reason for your request. You must also include a set of fingerprints and a fee in the amount of $25.00. Forms may be obtained at the Richmond Police Department, Records Section.

We can only check warrants for the person inquiring. You may come into the Police Department at 1701 Regatta Blvd with identification to have Records personnel check. We no longer check warrant status by telephone.

To clear a warrant you can surrender yourself to any police department. You may be issued a citation with a court date or be held in jail with or without bail.

Applications for concealed weapons permits are available in the RPD lobby for Richmond residents and/or merchants. Applicants are subject to a background investigation and non-refundable fees. The Chief of Police makes the final decision regarding whether a concealed weapons permit will be issued.

Contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator, Michelle Milam, at 510-620-6538. Ask for a citizen’s handbook which will teach you how Neighborhood Watch works and how you can become actively involved in the program.

You must be: • A US Citizen • 21 years of age • Complete a written test, physical agility and oral interview • Pass an in-depth background investigation • Pass medical and psychological examinations • Be in possession of a P.O.S.T. Training Certificate

For further information contact the Reserve Officer Program Coordinator, Officer Bill Roderick at 510-620-6642.

Persons eligible to participate in the ride-along program are: 1. Officials of the City of Richmond 2. District Attorneys 3. Potential police candidates for employment 4. Richmond residents or business owners 5. Students who reside or attend school within the city limitsA Citizen Ride Along Program Record form must be filled out and submitted to the Watch Commander in order to schedule the ride-along. There are specific requirements which must be met, and an Agreement to Assume Certain Risks and Indemnify the Richmond Police Department must also be signed. For further information you may contact the Watch Commander at 510-620-6643.

Explorer Program:To become involved in the Explorer Program you can contact Explorer Program Coordinator Officer Danny Harris at 510-620-6642. You must fill out an application and mail it to Officer Danny Harris at the Richmond Police Department.

Most of the names and phone numbers for Police Department employees can be found on this website. You can also check the listing under the City of Richmond, Police Department, in the Government pages located in the front of your telephone book. If the number is not listed, you may call the Records Division of the Police Department at 510-620-6675 for assistance.

The Richmond Police Department began operations in 1905 in Point Richmond and has been in the current location since the early 1950's and presently serves a diverse population of approximately 100,000.

First, talk to your neighbor and ask for their cooperation. Report any disturbances to your beat officer. If you need immediate assistance call the Richmond Police Department at 510-233-1214.

You can also call the West County Conflict Resolution Panel, which is made up of trained community service volunteers. This is a FREE service and will assist you in working toward mutual resolutions. The phone number is 925-687-8844 extension 301.

For any life threatening emergencies, you should dial 9-1-1. For non- emergencies, you may call the Richmond Police Department at 233-1214 or the Neighborhood Services Team for your specific area at 620-6640. After notifying the Richmond Police Department, you may contact the following services:Hate Crime:Immediately report any threat or violent act upon a person, for the reasons of race, sexual orientation, age, religion, etc.Abuse:Adult Protective Services of Contra Costa County, 925-335-8780, when the welfare of an elder or dependent adult is endangered or Children’s Protective Services of Contra Costa County 510-374-3324.Graffiti:For graffiti removal offered by the City of Richmond call 231-3010.Reckless drivers/speeders:Report the license plate number or other identifying information of the vehicle or persons involved.Illegally parked vehicles:Under certain Richmond Municipal Codes and Vehicle Codes, the illegally parked vehicle can be cited and/or towed. Be prepared to supply identifying information about the vehicle.

For a commendation: Contact the employee's immediate Supervisor or submit the "Compliment an Officer" form found in the upper left column on the RPD Home page..

For a complaint: Submit a Service/Personnel Complaint Form. The form is available in the column at the upper left of the RPD Home page. This page must be printed out, filled in, and signed by the complainant. In the alternative, you may call the Professional Standards Unit at 510-620-6664 or speak directly to the employee's supervisor.

By contacting your beat officer. Further information can be requested by contacting the Crime Analysis Office at 510-620-6649, Monday – Friday between 9:00 and 3:00.On the police department website you can now check crime statistics by using the CrimeView link on the Police Department home page (upper left corner).

Megan's law makes it legal for the public to learn about registered sex offenders in the State of California and in their own community. The information can now be viewed online through the California Attorney General's Office. You can access this site through the Megan's Law link on the "Helpful Links" page of the Richmond PD website.

Any report made to the Police Department regarding a missing person, juvenile or adult, shall be accepted without delay. These reports may be made in person or by telephone regardless of whether the missing person resides in the City of Richmond, works in the City or was last seen in the City.

Police CSI Unit

Yes. Fingerprint evidence is still very important. Crime Scene Investigators will process the scene using various types of fingerprint powder in an effort to locate latent fingerprints. Latent prints are fingerprints that are invisible to the eye until they are “developed” with an agent (i.e. the powder that allows them to stand out). The most common fingerprint powder we use is black bi-chromatic fingerprint powder. We also have magnetic and fluorescing powders (they glow under special light sources) and fuming agents that assist in developing fingerprints (Super Glue fuming). The fingerprints are then gently removed using a special adhesive tape and then placed onto a fingerprint card for examination.

It is very important to maintain the integrity of a crime scene. During a major crime investigation (such as a homicide or shooting) Crime Scene Investigators need be as thorough as possible – they need to protect the scene and the evidence as well as create a safe zone to conduct their work. Outdoor crime scenes provide specific dilemmas to Crime Scene Investigators. Oftentimes an “outer perimeter” is taped off using yellow crime scene tape to keep the public out, protect the area and to protect any evidence contained within the area.

A second area, the “inner perimeter” keeps officers and other emergency personnel out of the identified crime scene and helps protect evidence from being destroyed. All persons entering and exiting must be logged in and out. Once the Crime Scene Investigator and the Detectives have finished their investigation the area is re-opened to the public.

All evidence is taken to the Richmond Police Department and booked into our evidence room. Property Technicians log every item (to include found property) and store it appropriately (refrigerated if necessary).

Every effort is made to reunite evidence and found property with its lawful owner. However, evidence determined to be relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation cannot be released until it has been determined if any charges will be filed with the court and/or a detective authorizes the release. Statutes of limitations also determine how long evidence can be stored. The longest an item can be kept is 99 years (homicide evidence) and the shortest is about 2 years. Every few years, the Property Technicians conduct thorough inventories of evidence and property. Evidence and found property that is unclaimed and in good condition is catalogued and sent to public auction. Any money derived from the sale comes back to the Police Department.

Trace evidence is extremely important. Trace evidence refers to small evidence, both in size and in quantity. These are minute particles (hairs, fibers, paint chips, glass shards, bullet fragments, chemical residues) that, upon further investigation, can be identified via laboratory analysis. A small speck of auto paint found on the clothing of a pedestrian struck and killed can potentially reveal the make, model, and year of the suspect vehicle. Once the vehicle is located, a search of the vehicle can reveal small fibers and hairs that can be identified via laboratory analysis as belonging to the clothing worn by the victim. Trace evidence can also provide DNA evidence through human hair left at a crime scene or on the body of a rape victim. Just because it is small does not mean that it is not important!

Purchasing

The City of Richmond has recently implemented an online purchasing management system. This system allows vendors to register online, receive automated service and commodity solicitations via email, and eventually allow vendors to submit bids electronically. Most RFQ's, informal and formal solicitations will be processed through our online system. More

No, we have a decentralized purchasing function. Some commodities are bought by purchasing staff, some by the other departments. We can direct you to the appropriate person for your commodity or service.

Purchases over $5,000 and less than $24,999 are awarded based on an informal competitive quote process. Generally, we request quotes from at least three suppliers. Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible supplier: the vendor who meets the specifications, terms and conditions, including delivery date, stated, and offers the lowest price. The only time we do not award to the lowest price is when the quote does not meet our specifications or the quoter is not responsible. The resultant purchase order is a public record. Purchases over $25,000 follow a formal procedure. These Invitations for Bids (IFB) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) will be mailed to each supplier on the Bid List for that particular commodity or service. The bids are opened publicly at a specified time and place and City Council approves the bid award at a public meeting.

Yes, if you are located in, or perform services within, city limits or if you deliver products in company owned vehicles. Call the Business Licenses Division at (510) 620-6742 if you want more information.

Yes, if the RFB specifies a brand name or equal, you may offer an alternative or equal brand. It is a good idea to discuss your alternative proposal with us before submitting it. Or equal products will be evaluated after bids are received.

Most goods and services are procured utilizing a purchase order system. Standard City payment terms are net 30 days. The City issues checks weekly, with payments mailed each Friday. The City department acquiring the goods and services must initially authorize payment. To expedite payment, put purchase order numbers on all invoices, shipping tags, and other correspondence relevant to the order. The City pays by invoice, not by statement. As the payer of City obligations, it is our goal to make payments to vendors in a timely and efficient manner.

You may find our procedures, or requests for bids and proposals, confusing. Give us a call; we will gladly answer any questions on specifications, bid or award procedures, and purchasing methods in general.

Our mandate is to obtain the necessary quantity and quality at the lowest price possible for every purchase. We attempt to develop specifications which clearly define the quality required.

Awarding to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder limits our ability to develop business relationships with suppliers. Because of this, we maintain an arms length association with suppliers. This is one of the many ways we try to minimize corruption in public procurement. Our goal is to treat all suppliers the same.

You may expend considerable time and money in presenting your product to an individual department in the hopes of making a sale. If you do this, remember the purchase may eventually be made by competitive bid and be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.

Deliveries in almost all cases are required to be made to us F.O.B. Destination. Failure to meet specified delivery dates may cause cancellation of the order, liquidated damages, and removal from bid list.

NEVER SHIP MATERIALS OR INITIATE ANY SERVICES, WITHOUT A PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER!

There are times during emergencies when an order must be placed by City personnel after hours or on weekends when the Purchasing Division is normally closed. Emergency purchases may be made for items which are immediately necessary for the continued operation of the division involved or which are immediately necessary for the preservation of life or property. Rest assured, you will be paid for anything you sell to City employees under these conditions.

The public procurement process, and the people involved, are subject to complete public accountability, regarding the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ money. Public purchasing must guarantee fair and open competition with equal opportunities for every supplier. A unique characteristic of public purchasing is the underlying principle that prices are not as critical as fairness and impartiality in obtaining them.

The Auditorium is a multi functional facility is available for rent and has rooms of varying size to fir your needs. Capacity for a meeting of 20 or a concert of over 3,000. Please call for more information or to arrange a tour. (510) 620-6793.

A facility rental application has to be completed before availability or pricing can be determined since all types of rentals cannot be accommodated at any given site. Rental rates will be based on type of event, number of hours of rental, number of people at the function, etc. All rentals are charged a refundable deposit, fees for the rental of the facility, plus additional costs such as staffing, janitorial supplies, tables, chairs, etc. Please note that a certificate of insurance is required for all rentals.

If you are calling to report about weeds, faulty sprinklers, etc,. please call the Parks and Landscaping Division at 510-231-3004. If you have concerns about activities happening at a park, please contact the Recreation Department at 510-620-6793. For any serious or illegal activities, please contact the Richmond Police Department at 510-620-6642.